Is my project suitable for a Sustainable Development Fund (SDF) grant?

You will need to demonstrate that your project will have an environmental, social or economic benefit – ideally a combination of all three.

In your application you will need to show how your project will:

Help to conserve and enhance the natural beauty of the Blackdown Hills AONB

Increase the understanding and enjoyment of the special qualities of the AONB

Bring environmental, social and economic benefits to the AONB

Have the demonstrable support or involvement of local communities

Who can apply?

Public, private, voluntary and community groups can apply for SDF funding; individuals and businesses can also apply if they can demonstrate their project has a clear benefit for the wider community.

What kinds of projects receive SDF grants?

The fund is aimed at supporting projects that bring social, environmental and economic benefits to the Blackdown Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and demonstrate innovation and good practice.

The fund can support a range of projects including practical work, feasibility studies, research projects, partnership development, and training. Grants can be used to fund new projects or to add value to an existing project.

The types of project that are eligible for a Sustainable Development Fund grant include:

Restoration of historic features e.g. village ponds, community orchards, traditional boundaries

How does the Sustainable Development Fund work?

Sustainable Development Fund (SDF) applications are appraised and evaluated for suitability against the grant criteria

The scheme can provide up to 75% funding for projects, with the remainder of the cost being met by the group, organisation or individual leading the project.

Some volunteer time can be included as an ‘in-kind’ contribution for match-funding purposes but it is preferable to have some cash match funding

The maximum grant available is £2,000 per project

Funding is paid on completion of the project and not upfront.

Projects must be completed by the end of March in the year the grant is awarded

SDF cannot fund work carried out before the date of the offer letter

Successful projects will need to comply with the grant’s terms and conditions which will be sent out with the grant offer. The terms and conditions stipulate a minimum level of publicity and completion of a short project summary form within 30 days of completion of the project.

Criteria for SDF funding

Your application to the Blackdown Hills Sustainable Development Fund will be assessed according to the extent to which your project meets the following criteria:

Environmental criteria

Does the project:

Conserve and enhance the built and/or natural environment

Protect or increase biodiversity

Promote or implement ‘reduce; re-use; recycle’ principles

Promote the use and/or generation of renewable energy

Reduce the need for car, van and lorry journeys

Minimise pollution of the land, air and water

Social criteria

Does the project:

Encourage community engagement, ownership or empowerment

Conserve and support the cultural heritage

Encourage links between urban groups and those resident in the aonb

Combat social exclusion, particularly of young people

Promote local community action

Encourage those involved to engage in a more sustainable lifestyle

Economic criteria

Does the project:

Satisfy local economic needs

Provide long-term economic benefit to the community

Contribute to local training and/or employment prospects

Make use of local suppliers of products, services and materials

Demonstrate responsible business practices, promote community support for the local economy